Page 67 of Unfinished Noise

The server returned with two glasses, bubbles rising in thin, bright streams. Spencer waited until they were alone again. His fingers tingled—not shaking, just alive with anticipation, making his whole arm feel lighter. He reached into his pocket, feeling the cool edge of the ring box against his fingertips, and the world around him seemed to narrow to that single motion.

Jamie froze.

Spencer’s voice came out low, steady, but warm. “I want to ask you something.”

Jamie’s eyes widened, breath catching.

Spencer set the ring box on the table and opened it. The platinum bands gleamed softly under the booth’s warm light.

Jamie’s hand flew to his mouth.

“Jamie,” Spencer said, leaning forward, heart pounding but sure, “I want to marry you. I want you with me for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”

Jamie didn’t speak at first. His eyes filled fast, tears slipping down before he could stop them. He shook his head once—not in refusal, but in disbelief—then nodded hard.

“Yes,” Jamie whispered. “Yes. Yes.”

Spencer’s chest cracked open in the best way. He took the smaller ring and slid it onto Jamie’s finger, Jamie’s hand trembling a little. Then he took the other band and put it on his own.

“These are our engagement rings,” Spencer whispered.

Jamie stared at his hand as if he couldn’t believe it was real. “Spencer… I—”

Spencer reached across the table, taking Jamie’s hand. “Is it okay if we get married on Christmas Day?”

Jamie looked up, eyes shining. “Christmas? Yeah. Yes. I want that.”

Spencer exhaled, relief and joy mixing into something warm and overwhelming. “Good. Because I’ve been thinking about it all day.”

Jamie laughed through his tears, wiping his face with the back of his hand. “I can’t believe you did this.”

Spencer squeezed his hand. “I can.”

Jamie leaned across the table, kissing him—soft, quick, but full of everything he couldn’t say yet.

Spencer kissed him back, letting the moment settle deep.

Christmas.

A promise.

A future.

And Jamie sitting across from him, earrings shining, eyes bright, wearing Spencer’s ring.

Everything was exactly right.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Jamie

Jamie practically bounced down the hallway when they got back to the hotel room. His chest swelled, pushing against his ribs and trying to burst out. The second the door shut behind them, he spun toward Spencer.

“Can I tell Alfie?” he blurted, already reaching for his phone.

Spencer laughed, soft and warm. “Tell him. Anyone you want to tell.”

Jamie typed fast.